By Shane Rachel del Rosario
Filipino innovations took center stage at the global scene as the Department of Science and Technology - Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) was recognized for its participation in the National Science and Technology Fair 2024, August 16-25.
Held in Thailand, the institute received a recognition plaque from the Honorable Mr. Permsuk Sutchaphiwat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation.
Attracting approximately 200,000 visitors, mainly composed of students, the NSTF is Thailand's largest science and technology fair. It aims to promote science and technology while showcasing the latest innovations across diverse fields, including agriculture, education, and space.
DOST-TAPI’s booth was able to catch the attention of several schools, with Thammasat Khlong Luang Withayakhom School purchasing five kits of one of the Institution’s featured innovations, Make-roscope. The invention also captured the interest of the China Science Center.
Make-roscope: Small yet making a ‘massive difference’
Make-roscope is a single-lens keychain microscope designed to be placed on top of the front-facing camera of a smartphone or tablet.
Developed by Jeremy de Leon, a graduate of Manufacturing Engineering from the MAPUA Institute of Technology, the Make-roscope presents a low-cost alternative to a light compound microscope. The innovation also boasts its ability to magnify samples from 265 to even 400 times.
This immense ability has also attracted premier personalities in the field, which de Leon considers as one of his core memories during the exhibit.
“The most memorable part is when I had to demo the Make-roscope to Mr. Permsuk Sutchaphiwat the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation. During the demonstration, he was so impressed with the device that he had to try it on his smartphone and take pictures of microorganisms. Afterwards, DOST-TAPI gave him his own Make-roscope Lab kit, which he very much appreciated,” he recalled.
DOST Courseware, SIMATAR, and VLAS: Making waves in Education Technology
Another Filipino invention that was well-received by teachers from Thailand was the agency’s Courseware, Strategic Intervention Material for Teaching with Augmented Reality (SIMATAR) and Virtual Laboratory Application in Science (VLAS).
The DOST Courseware is a repository of resources and modules on science and math. SIMATAR, on the other hand, utilizes augmented reality technologies to provide visual references and practical examples of technical science topics, while VLAS offers a virtual laboratory wherein students can conduct experiments and gain theoretical knowledge.
These received recognition both from educators and students, who expressed their interest and appreciation for the inventions.
“The technologies for education Courseware, SIMATAR and VLAS were well-received by teachers from Thailand, from the Philippines who teach in Thailand, and other foreign citizens who participated in the fair. The flock of mostly elementary students who come in thousands is just overwhelming. Although they are not so versed in English, they are polite to express their appreciation of our exhibits in their own dialect,” Josephine Feliciano of the DOST Science Education Institute said.
She also added that one of the most memorable parts of the event was their demonstration to Mr. Sutchaphiwat.
“[My most memorable part of the event was] being able to demonstrate the DOST-SEI projects in education technologies such as DOST Courseware, SIMATAR, and VLAS to Mr. Permsuk Sutchaphiwat the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation. During the demonstration, these technologies were well-received, and expressed his appreciation for the products,” Feliciano said.
Shining with DOST-TAPI
The participation of the inventions was a testament to the agency’s commitment to showcasing Filipino ingenuity and supporting the development of local science-based solutions.
Both de Leon and Feliciano expressed their gratitude to the DOST-TAPI for the agency’s support throughout the event. Feliciano also expressed that the event was a “huge experience that she will always remember.”
“I would like to thank DOST-TAPI, Atty. Ivy Decena and her team for allowing jereMAKE to showcase the Make-roscope in the NSTF. Having access to programs like this helps local innovators and start-ups build networks and explore opportunities abroad,” de Leon, meanwhile, expressed.
‘Going above and beyond’
The recognition that these innovations received has proven that Filipinos could be at par with the bright minds on the global stage. De Leon encourages fellow innovators to ‘go above and beyond’ in creating science-based solutions.
“Our innovation is globally competitive, we must think big and global. Not just in our communities but the possible impact of our technologies in the world. We must leverage government programs and aid to make this possible,” he encouraged.
**This article is part of the "SPICE: Science and Technology Promotion for International Contest and Exhibits" campaign for the National Science and Technology (NST) Fair Thailand 2024. For more information and event updates, visit the DOST-TAPI website at www.tapi.dost.gov.ph.**
